Method and apparatus for providing braced sections of a fence

ABSTRACT

The fence building system which provides for one or more corner posts and H-brace fence sections employs standard system components and a couple of general fence tools. The present system provides for at least one fence post that is slidable over a conventional studded steel T-post. The fence posts disclosed herein can comprise a rigid connector bracket having one end or a swivel connector bracket having two ends. The ends of the brackets mate with an end of a connecting rail. An optional bracket assembly is mountable to one or more fence posts to enable the making of other fence configurations. The present system provides for a fence that is inexpensive to manufacture, is light weight, is easy-to-transport to remote locations, and is easily and quickly installed, dismantled and reused in the field without the use of specialty tools.

FIELD OF ART

The present disclosure relates generally to system employing fence posts and connecting rails extending between adjacent fence posts and more specifically to a method and apparatus utilizing one or more metal tubes for slidably receiving a respective fence post and having at least one bracket mateable with an end of a connecting rail to facilitate quick and easy interconnection of the sheathed fence posts and the connecting rails.

BACKGROUND

Numerous fence types have been invented over the years to define property boundaries, discourage trespass, contain or exclude livestock and pets, limit the travel of wildlife, maintain privacy and protect crops, gardens and other property. The purpose of a fence will often dictate which type of fence to use. The type of fence constructed greatly impacts the cost per foot as well as the total cost of the fence. Thus, depending on the type of fencing used, the level of skill involved and the overall size of the system, fencing costs can be quite high. Many miles of fence have been erected for use on farms and ranches and in neighborhoods and by industry. To keep costs down, it is advantageous to erect just enough fence to address the particular situation and enable the fencing to be assembled easily with minimal skill.

Fences systems generally consist of a combination of corners and bracing systems. Probably the most common bracing design is the “H-brace” which involves placing a horizontal connecting rail between two posts in the fence line. Common techniques for mounting metal or wood fencing include driving vertical posts into the ground with sledgehammers or drivers or by digging a hole into the ground, inserting the post into the hole, pouring concrete into the hole and allowing it to harden. Rails are then mounted between and to the posts. Typically, the formation of a fence is laborious, tedious, time-consuming and requires the use of multiple tools. Moreover, construction on uneven terrain can be particularly complex often requiring fence customization.

It should also be noted that traditional fence construction does not easily allow for the positioning of some or all of the fence posts before securing the rails to the fixed posts. The position of a vertical fence post in the ground must typically be fixed before an end of a connecting rail is mounted thereto. With an end of the connecting rail secured to a fixed post, the next post is set and the opposite end of the connecting rail is secured to a second post. The end of a second connecting rail then is secured to the second fence post, a third post is set, and the opposite end of the second connecting rail then is secured to the third post, and so on. In this manner, workers move along a fence line setting posts and securing the connecting rails between pairs of adjacent posts.

The disclosed device provides for a fence that not only is easily assembled, durable and sturdy, it is safe for livestock, wildlife and pets, does not require specialty tools and is aesthetically pleasing. In addition, some or all the fence posts can be fixed before securing corresponding connecting rails to the fixed posts.

The disclosed system allows for easy and rapid assembly of a plurality of fence posts with a variable selection of rail angles on respective sides of the fence posts. In addition, the disclosed system takes advantage of the use of conventional studded steel T-posts which have gained wide acceptance as strong, long-lasting posts for use in the construction of fencing. T-posts are economical and relatively lightweight which allows them to be easily carried without any hoisting equipment. With the disclosed system, fencing can be erected by an average person in a smaller fraction of the time than previously required. In addition, the disclosed system can be built on terrain that is not level and can be easily removed and reused if there is a need to reposition a fence line.

The disclosed system employs a combination of brackets between fence posts and connecting rails to form portions of a fence. A first connector bracket enables connecting rails to be positioned in a horizontal orientation between adjoining fence posts. Another connector bracket incorporates a swivel to enable connecting rails to be selectively positioned in a desired horizontal orientation over a large angle of selection. In other words, the swivelable bracket allows the connecting rails to be rotated horizontally relative to its respective fence post. In addition, the disclosed system comprises at least one metal post receiver that is slidable over a conventional studded steel T-post, which can be simply hammered into the ground without having to dig a hole. Thus, the construction of fences, corner posts and H-braces employing the disclosed devices requires only those tools that are necessary to set the posts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosed device provides for a fence system that is economical, lightweight, easy-to-transport to remote locations, and easily and quickly installed, dismantled and reused in the field without the use of specialty tools. Typically, an average person can assemble a three (3)-post corner of this system in about twenty minutes or less. A two (2)-post in-line H-brace system can be assembled in about fifteen minutes. In addition, no special skills are required. The disclosed device can be assembled in the field to provide a very durable, sturdy and economical system that can withstand high loads even though the system does not employ, for example, concrete footing like conventional fence posts.

The disclosed system is a corner post and H-brace fence system employing standard components of the system and a couple of simple tools.

The disclosed system provides for at least one fence post receiver that is slidable over a conventional studded steel T-post and which comprises a bracket mounted thereto to mate with an end of a connecting rail.

The disclosed system provides for at least one fence post receiver that is slidable over a conventional studded steel T-post and which comprises a swivel bracket mounted thereto to mate with an end of a connecting rail.

The disclosed system provides for at least one fence post having a bracket with a swivelable end and a stationary end which can serve as a corner post when the ends are angularly arranged with respect to each another or as a standard fence post when the ends are arranged in series.

The disclosed system provides for a pair of fence posts, each having a bracket with at least one mating end that can be positioned to inwardly face each other, and wherein a connecting rail is mounted over the mating ends so as to form a fence panel or an H-brace system.

The disclosed system enables one of a pair of fence posts in an H-brace system to serve as a corner of a fencing system when a swivelable mating end of a bracket thereof is positioned angularly with respect to a linearly aligned connecting rail of the H-brace system.

The disclosed system provides for at least one fence post having a bracket with two swivelable opposing ends which can form a corner post when the opposing bracket ends are angularly arranged with respect to each another.

The disclosed system provides for at least one optional bracket assembly that is mountable to a fence post to provide an additional mating end for a connecting rail.

The disclosed system comprises the use of a cross rod or wire brace for tensioning purposes.

The disclosed system is adaptable to numerous fence applications. For example, the apparatus may be used to build fence enclosures on farms and ranches and in neighborhood and industrial settings.

The disclosed system is adaptable to a variety of terrains and can be built on ground that is not level.

The disclosed system can be easily removed and reused if there is a need to reposition a fence line.

The disclosed system provides for a method of building a corner post and H-brace fence system employing standard components of the system and a couple of simple tools.

These and other features and advantages of the disclosed apparatus reside in the construction of parts and the combination thereof, the mode of operation and use, as will become more apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views. The embodiments and features thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to exemplify and to illustrate, not being limiting in scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a swivelable bracket of the disclosed system, the swivelable bracket having a pair of opposing mating ends.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the bracket of FIG. 1 wherein the mating ends are positioned substantially perpendicular to one another.

FIG. 3 illustrates the swiveling of the bracket of FIG. 1 from an angle of about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4.

FIG. 5 shows a fence post embodiment comprising a receiver tube and a bracket having a stationary mating end.

FIGS. 6A, 6B show a fence post embodiment comprising a receiver tube and a bracket, the bracket having a swivelable mating end and a stationary mating end, the mating ends arranged to be substantially perpendicular to each other, and an optional bracket assembly to provide an additional mating end for a connecting rail.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of an H-brace provided for by the disclosed system.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a corner of the disclosed system.

FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of a fence post and rail system comprising a plurality of steel T-posts, one or more rigid bracket fence posts, one or more swivel bracket fence posts and corresponding connecting fence rails.

Before explaining the disclosed embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in application to the details of the particular arrangements shown, since other embodiments are possible. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a bracket 20 of the disclosed system mounted on tube 5 and comprising a pair of mating ends 30, 40 positioned between a pair of rings 25, 27. Mating ends 30, 40 which project radially from opposing sides of bracket 20 are shown oriented so as to be substantially horizontal with respect to each other. As will be described further below, mating ends 30, 40 can be inserted in a female end of a connecting rail.

Mating end 30 can be permanently mounted to rings 25, 27 if desired. For example, mating end 30 may be welded to rings 25, 27 however any known fastening means can be employed. In one embodiment, rings 25, 27 were constructed using about ¾ inch long sections of Schedule 40 pipe having a nominal pipe size of about 2 inches. Mating end 30 was constructed using about 3 inches of Schedule 10 pipe having a nominal pipe size of about 1 inch. Mating end 40 was similar in construction except a nominal pipe size of about ¾ inch was chosen. It is contemplated however that any of these components could vary in size, shape, construction, materials and/or location and still fall within the scope of the disclosed apparatus.

In this embodiment, mating end 30 is swivelable. As will be discussed further below, this enables one or more connecting rails mounted thereto to be rotated horizontally relative to its respective fence post. Thus, the disclosed fencing system can accommodate obstacles such as ponds, streams, rocks, hilly terrain, etc. In one embodiment, a ball pivot joint was implemented; however, it is contemplated that other means of providing rotary and/or radial motion may be suitable.

In FIGS. 1, 4, mating ends 30, 40 are shown to be substantially perpendicular with respect to each other. FIGS. 3, 4 illustrate the swivelability of mating end 30 from an angle of about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees, however the mating ends can be arranged at other angles depending on the particular application. This enables one or more connecting rails to be selectively positioned in a desired horizontal orientation over a large angle of selection, e.g. from about 20 degrees to about 270 degrees. An optional locking means (not shown) could be used to secure mating end 30 in a certain position or angle, if desired.

The disclosed system employs a combination of brackets, fence posts and connecting rails to form portions of a fence. As assembled, tube 5 and bracket 20 form fence post embodiment 10. As disclosed, bracket 20 is mounted on tube 5 having a vertical cavity 3 so as to form a hollow receiver designed to slip over a conventional studded steel T-post. T-posts used for fencing purposes typically measure several feet high and are relatively slender. A studded steel T-post will typically insert inside about a nominal 2 inch diameter hole. Thus, it is contemplated that the fence posts disclosed herein comprise Schedule 10 pipe having a nominal pipe size of about 1½ inch to about 2 inches so each may easily slip over and receive the underlying steel T-post, however other configurations may be suitable depending on the application.

Swivelable mating end 30 and stationary mating end 40 enables one or more connecting rails 75 (see for example FIG. 7) to be rotated horizontally relative to fence post 10. Although fence post 10 can be used for forming a corner of a fencing system such as that shown in FIG. 8, it can also be used to form an H-brace such as that shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 5 shows fence post 15 which is also useful for forming an H-brace. Fence post 15 comprises hollow receiver tube 6 and bracket 60 having a stationary mating end 50 which projects radially from bracket 60. In operation, each of fence posts 10, 15 slips over and receives a respective studded steel T-post (not shown) that is conventionally mounted into the ground, for example, by means of a T-post driver. Receiver tubes 5, 6 should be sized such that the inner side of the tube wall defines a nominally round conduit having an inside diameter between about 5% to about 10% greater than a nominal measure of about 2 inches. However, there is no requirement that the tube wall be nominally round. Other shapes are possible and the depiction in the drawings of round shapes is done for convenience only and is not meant to limit the disclosure to any particular shape.

FIGS. 6A, 6B depict an optional assembly 67 that may be adapted to fence post 10 and/or fence post 15 to enable a user to make other fence configurations. For example, collar 64 of assembly 67 can be slipped onto fence post 10 to provide an intersection point for another fence. It will be recognized that other bracket assemblies could be devised and still be mountable to a fence post to provide an additional mating end for a connecting rail. In another example (not shown), collar 64 of assembly 67 can be slipped onto fence post 15 to enable a user to quickly transition an single H-brace into a double H-brace. In addition, the resulting fence panels can be positioned in a variety of angles with respect to each other, for example, to accommodate an obstacle such as a pond, rock, etc. by simply positioning bracket 65 on a respective fence post at a desired angle. One having skill in the art of erecting fences will recognize that other angle arrangements can be achieved by rotating fence post embodiments 10, 15 themselves.

Referring to FIG. 7, fence posts 15A, 15B are shown mounted in proximity to each other. Fence posts 15A, 15B comprise mating ends 50A, 50B respectively. Fence posts 15A, 15B can be rotated and fixed in the ground so mating ends 50A, 50B face each other to facilitate the formation of fence panel 100 (an H-brace) when respective ends of connecting rail 75 are mated thereto. In one embodiment, connecting rail 75 was constructed using about 72 inch long sections of Schedule 40 pipe having a nominal pipe size of about 2 inches, however, other configurations could be suitable. Female ends of connecting 75 receive male end 50A, 50B. Although the use of a connecting rail having female ends provides for a system that has a high eye appeal, it is contemplated that, if desired, the system could employ connecting rails having male ends which would be mateable with brackets having female receiver ends.

As shown, fence panel 100 comprises a cross brace system 70 for tensioning purposes. In one embodiment, a ⅜ inch threaded rod was fastened to fence posts 15A, 15B by means of a 9/16 inch nut. Opposite ends of the ⅜ inch rod were secured to fence posts 15A, 15B in an “X” configuration. It is contemplated that other known types (and configurations) of cross bracing 70 may be employed. For example, 9-gauge black fence wire, 12.5-gauge twisted or smooth wire or other suitable material can be used depending on the application. Known attachment means such as hooks, pins, staples, rods or notches (not shown) can be used to mount the desired cross bracing on fence posts 15A, 15B. For many users, it is common to use 9-gauge wire wrapped at least twice around the posts and twisted tight with a “twitch” 78.

As stated above, bracket 20 can also be used to form an H-brace. Thus, bracket 20 can be useful for forming a double H-brace, triple H-brace or similar construction. In a double H-brace embodiment (not shown), a fence post 10 could be positioned between fence posts 15A, 15B. Mating ends 30, 40 of bracket 20 of the fence post 10 would be oriented so as to be substantially horizontal with respect to each other. In this example, mating end 40 would be oriented to face mating end 50A. Mating end 30 would be oriented to face mating end 50B. A connecting rail 75 would be mounted between fence post 15A and fence post 10 and between fence post 10 and fence post 15B to form two fence panels 100. It is therefore contemplated that a fence line having numerous fence panels 100 could be erected as desired. In some cases, it may not be necessary to employ two or more H-braces in series. It may be sufficient to utilize one H-brace in conjunction with a fence line constructed of steel T-posts and wire fencing.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the disclosed system forming a corner. Fence posts 10A, 15C, 15D are shown mounted in proximity to each other. Fence post 10A comprises mating ends 30A, 40A. Fence posts 15C, 15D comprise mating ends 50C, 50D respectively. Fence post 15C can be rotated and fixed in the ground so mating end 50C may face mating end 30A to facilitate the formation of fence panel 200 when respective ends of connecting rail 75 are mounted thereon. Fence post 15D can be rotated and fixed in the ground so mating end 50D may face mating end 40A to facilitate the formation of fence panel 300 when respective ends of connecting rail 75 are mounted thereon. As shown, fence panels 200, 300 each comprise a diagonal brace system 90 for tensioning purposes. It is contemplated that a user can arrange one or more fence posts 10, 15 in a variety of combinations as needed for a particular application.

FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of a fence post and rail system. A steel T-post 1 is shown mounted to a ground surface. Fence posts 15A, 15B are slidably mounted on respective T-posts in proximity to one another. As can be seen, fence posts 15A, 15B form H-brace fence panel 100 when respective ends of connecting rail 75 are mated thereto. Fence posts 10A and 15C form fence panel 200 when respective ends of connecting rail 75 are mated thereto. Fence posts 10A and 15D form fence panel 300 when respective ends of connecting rail 75 are mated thereto. Together, fence panels 200 and 300 form a corner of the disclosed embodiment. Here, steel T-post 1 remains exposed (is not covered by a fence post 10, 15). A connecting member such as wire fencing 99 can be mounted to fence posts 15A, 15B, 10, 15C, 15D and T-post 1 to form a barrier between the various fence posts.

This embodiment illustrates the use of one H-brace in conjunction with a fence line constructed of steel T-posts and wire fencing. If desired, however, multiple H-braces can be employed by replacing one or more fence posts 15 with a respective fence post 10. As disclosed herein, a three (3)-post corner of this system can be assembled in about twenty minutes or less. A two (2)-post in-line H-brace system can be assembled in about fifteen minutes. The ability of the disclosed device to be easily and quickly installed, dismantled and reused is facilitated by the use of a plurality of steel T-posts.

Fence posts 10, 15 are designed to be long enough so as not to be pulled out from the ground by users, animals and trespassers. Since, steel-T posts typically measure several feet high, one embodiment contemplates fence posts 10, 15 to be about 52 inch long, which enables the length of the underlying T-posts to be substantially covered. For stability, connecting rails 75 could be designed to be about 40 inches from the ground surface. Other configurations could be suitable.

The devices disclosed herein may be constructed out of prefabricated metal, iron, plastic, etc. depending on the desired use, however, it is contemplated that steel pipe be used. It is also contemplated that the disclosed devices and the components thereof could vary in size, shape, construction and/or location and still fall within the scope of the disclosed apparatus.

In summary, the fence post assembly disclosed herein comprises a metal tube having a cavity for insertably receiving a length of a steel post, the tube further comprising a bracket having a swivelable mating end and a stationary mating end. The swivelable mating end can be mounted to a first connecting fence rail thereby allowing the first connecting fence rail to be rotated horizontally relative to the tube. The stationary mating end can be mounted to a second connecting fence rail. An optional assembly can be mounted to the tube to provide an additional mating end for a subsequent connecting fence rail. The swivelable mating end can be rotated about the tube. The swivelable mating end and the stationary can be positioned relative to each other at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 270 degrees. A corner is formed upon a mounting of a first connecting fence rail to the swivelable mating end and a mounting of a second connecting fence rail to the stationary mating end, the first and second fence rails each connected to a respective vertical post. A tension brace is mountable to the tube and to at least one of the vertical posts.

Also disclosed herein is a fence assembly comprising at least two metal tubes each having a cavity for insertably receiving a length of a steel post, each of the tubes further comprising one or more bracket ends mateable with an end of a connecting fence rail. At least two steel posts are mounted to a ground surface in spaced relation to one another. Each of the tubes are mounted on a corresponding one of the steel posts and rotatably positioned so a pair of the bracket ends may oppose the other. Each of the two ends of a connecting rail are mounted to a corresponding one of the opposing bracket ends to form a fence section. A brace system is mounted to the at least two tubes for tensioning purposes. One of the bracket ends is swivelable thereby allowing a connecting rail mounted thereto to be rotated about its respective tube. A connecting rail mounted to the swivelable bracket end can form a portion of a H-brace section or a portion of a corner. A plurality of fence sections can be mounted in series to form a fence line. An optional assembly can be mounted to one or more of the tubes to provide an additional mating end for a fence rail.

Also disclosed is a fence post and rail system comprising a plurality of steel posts mounted to a ground surface in spaced relation to one another and defining a desired perimeter or line and a plurality of metal tubes each comprising a cavity capable of receiving a length of a steel post, the tubes mounted on a corresponding one of the steel posts. One or more of the plurality of tubes further comprises a rigid bracket having a stationary mating end. One or more of the plurality of tubes further comprises a swivel bracket having a moveable mating end and a stationary mating end. One or more of the rigid bracketed tubes are positioned so a pair of bracket ends oppose one another. A mounting of a connecting fence rail therebetween forms a H-brace section of a fence. The moveable mating ends of the one or more swivel bracketed tubes are positioned so adjacent bracket ends are in angled relation to one another. A mounting of a connecting fence rail therebetween forms a portion of a corner of a fence. A plurality of connecting members mounted to the tubes form a partial barrier between the tubes.

The moveable mating ends are positioned so adjacent bracket ends are at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 270 degrees. In addition, a brace system is mounted to at least two adjacent tubes for tensioning purposes. One or more of said swivel brackets are positioned so adjacent bracket ends are at an angle of about 180 degrees. A mounting of a connecting fence rail therebetween forms a H-brace section of a fence. An optional assembly can be mounted to one of the plurality of tubes to provide an additional mating end for a fence rail.

While a number of exemplifying features and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and subcombinations thereof. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. Other alternate embodiments of the present apparatus could be easily employed by those skilled in the art to achieve the function of the present apparatus. It is to be understood that additions, deletions, and changes may be made to the fence posts, brackets, connecting rails and various internal and external parts disclosed herein and still fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosed fence system and its components. 

I claim:
 1. A fence post assembly comprising: a metal tube having a cavity for insertably receiving a length of a steel post; said tube further comprising a bracket having a swivelable mating end and a stationary mating end; said swivelable mating end mountable to a first connecting fence rail thereby allowing said first connecting fence rail to be rotated horizontally relative to said tube; and said stationary mating end mountable to a second connecting fence rail.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an optional assembly mountable to said tube to provide an additional mating end for a subsequent connecting fence rail.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said swivelable mating end can be rotated about said tube, said swivelable mating end and said stationary being positionable relative to each other at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 270 degrees.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1X further comprising a formation of a corner upon a mounting of a first connecting fence rail to said swivelable mating end and a mounting of a second connecting fence rail to said stationary mating end, said first and second fence rails each connected to a respective vertical post.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a tension brace mountable to said tube and to at least one of said vertical posts.
 6. A fence assembly comprising: at least two metal tubes each having a cavity for insertably receiving a length of a steel post, each of said tubes further comprising one or more bracket ends mateable with an end of a connecting fence rail; at least two steel posts mounted to a ground surface in spaced relation to one another; each of said tubes mounted on a corresponding one of said steel posts and rotatably positioned so a pair of said bracket ends may oppose the other; and a connecting rail having two ends, each of said ends mounted to a corresponding one of said opposing bracket ends to form a fence section.
 7. The assembly of claim 6 further comprising a brace system mounted to said at least two tubes for tensioning purposes.
 8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein one of said one or more bracket ends is swivelable thereby allowing a connecting rail mounted thereto to be rotated about its respective tube.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein a connecting rail mounted to said swivelable bracket end can form a portion of a H-brace section or a portion of a corner.
 10. The assembly of claim 6, wherein a plurality of fence sections can be mounted in series to form a fence line.
 11. The assembly of claim 6 further comprising an optional assembly mountable to one or more of said tubes to provide an additional mating end for a fence rail.
 12. A fence post and rail system comprising: a plurality of steel posts mounted to a ground surface in spaced relation to one another and defining a desired perimeter or line; a plurality of metal tubes each comprising a cavity capable of receiving a length of a steel post, said tubes mounted on a corresponding one of said steel posts, one or more of said plurality of tubes further comprising a rigid bracket having a stationary mating end, one or more of said plurality of tubes further comprising a swivel bracket having a moveable mating end and a stationary mating end; said one or more rigid bracketed tubes positioned so a pair of bracket ends oppose one another, a mounting of a connecting fence rail therebetween forming a H-brace section of a fence; said moveable mating ends of said one or more swivel bracketed tubes positioned so adjacent bracket ends are in angled relation to one another, a mounting of a connecting fence rail therebetween forming a portion of a corner of a fence; and a plurality of connecting members mounted to said tubes to form a partial barrier between said fence posts.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said moveable mating ends are positioned so adjacent bracket ends are at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 270 degrees.
 14. The system of claim 12 further comprising a brace system mounted to at least two adjacent tubes for tensioning purposes.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein one or more of said swivel brackets are positioned so adjacent bracket ends are at an angle of about 180 degrees, a mounting of a connecting fence rail therebetween forming a H-brace section of a fence.
 16. The system of claim 12 further comprising an optional assembly mountable to one of said plurality of tubes to provide an additional mating end for a fence rail. 